Alternatives to Burning

While burning slash (aka, “forest debris”) is a simple and cost-effective method of disposal, it isn’t without its drawbacks. Open burning releases smoke, fine particulate matter, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which can contribute to health problems and degrade the air quality of Boulder County.

Several community sort yards and drop-off locations exist in Boulder County that will accept your slash material. Often, these materials are put to use powering biomass energy systems right here in Boulder County. Keep in mind that a burn permit application may be denied if a practical alternative method of disposal exists.

Alternatives to Burning

There are 3 Alternatives to Burning to consider prior to applying for an open burning permit:

Drop off your material at a sort yard

Scatter your material around your property*

Chip your material and broadcast it onto your property*

* If your slash material was generated for the purpose of wildland fire mitigation, scattering material or broadcasting chips is not a good alternative as there is no net reduction in wildland fuels; you have just rearranged them. If your intent is wildland fire mitigation, the best alternative to burning is dropping your material at a sort yard.